'South Cheshire College has been able to award pay increases each year through making efficiency gains through the hard work and commitment of all staff.

'But now there is a massive problem at national level because of the failure of Government to give colleges money for salaries.

'Of course, low pay has an effect on recruitment and retention. It results in colleges bringing in temporary staff and students end up with several different lecturers over the year.'

Exams at the college were unaffected by the one-day strike action and vital classes went ahead.

College principal Dr David Collins said: 'The staff are extremely professional in their work and unions and management have co-operated fully to ensure that students are not at a disadvantage because of this action.

'I believe the lecturing staff in particular deserve a higher level of salary than they presently receive but unfortunately the college has not received any money from the government for pay rises since 1993.

'The awards we have been able to make locally have been as a result of efficiency gains rather than through extra funding.

'But I know that there are many colleges nationally where this has not been the case.'